East Central College student Kylie Napier has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and awarded a $1,500 scholarship for her academic achievement and leadership. She is one of just 50 students nationwide to earn this prestigious recognition, which is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society.
Kylie Napier, left, has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and awarded a $1,500 scholarship for her academic achievement and leadership. She is pictured with ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.
Napier, a student at ECC’s main campus in Union, was selected based on scores earned in the highly competitive All-USA Academic Team competition, which drew nearly 2,100 applicants nationwide. As a Gold Scholar, she was recognized during the Parade of Scholars at PTK Catalyst, the organization’s annual convention, held April 3–5 in Kansas City, Missouri.
In addition to Napier’s recognition, several other ECC students were named to the All-USA Academic Team and honored by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) and PTK for their academic and leadership excellence:
David Harper, Union – Coca-Cola New Century Workforce Scholar
Phillip North, Union – All-USA Workforce Pathway
Latisha Graham, Union – All-USA Transfer Pathway
Mae May, Rolla – All-USA Transfer Pathway
Moriah Mankin, Rolla – All-USA Transfer Pathway
These students were selected for their outstanding academic records, leadership, and community involvement. ECC annually nominates students from its campuses for the All-USA Team, which automatically qualifies nominees for the All-Missouri Academic Team. Nominees complete a rigorous application process that includes academic achievements, campus and community involvement, and a detailed account of a significant endeavor during their time at ECC.
All-state honorees are recognized at a ceremony sponsored by the MCCA and receive a commemorative medallion and certificate, along with a $250 scholarship funded by the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA).
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually to PTK members through the Coca-Cola Academic Team program, celebrating students who are leading the way in their communities and academic programs.
East Central College faculty and staff members were recently named finalists for Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) awards. The recognition highlights their dedication to students, excellence in their fields, and contributions to the ECC community.
Aramburu Nominated for Excellence in Teaching
Ellen Aramburu, assistant professor of Spanish, was named a finalist for the MCCA Excellence in Teaching Award. She was recognized for her innovative approach to language instruction, fostering a dynamic and supportive classroom environment that encourages students to embrace the challenges of learning a new language. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Aramburu implemented advanced online learning tools to ensure student success. She also led ECC’s Global Education efforts, organizing events such as International Education Week and International Day to bring cultural insight to campus.
Noelker Recognized for Classified Staff Achievement
Jon Noelker, a Learning Center specialist and longtime adjunct faculty member, was a finalist for the MCCA Classified Staff Achievement Award. With more than 30 years of service to students, Noelker is known for his tireless commitment to academic success. He has tutored hundreds of students in math, science, and other subjects, even taking additional courses to better meet student needs. Noelker also played a vital role in ECC’s Summer Bridge program, which helps students prepare for college-level coursework.
Chaney Honored as Outstanding Adjunct Finalist
Elisha Chaney, an adjunct nursing instructor, was a finalist for the MCCA Outstanding Adjunct Award. Chaney was celebrated for her high standards and unwavering support of her students. She excels as both a classroom and clinical educator, balancing the rigor of nursing education with individualized assistance to help students succeed. Chaney’s positivity and flexibility have made her an integral part of ECC’s Nursing program.
In July, eight new certified peace officers graduated from the inaugural class of East Central College’s Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC), marking the culmination of a partnership between the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, the Rolla Police Department, and East Central College.
The dedication of these law enforcement agencies to building a well-qualified pipeline of peace officers and enhancing public safety earned the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and Rolla Police Department the prestigious 2024 Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Business & Industry Award, presented at the annual convention in Branson.
The award recognizes the pivotal role these departments have played in the ECC – Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center, a Department of Public Safety Peace Officer Standards and Training Program (POST)-accredited academy designed to meet the region’s demand for law enforcement training.
In 2021, ECC Rolla Director Christina Ayres, Phelps County Sheriff Michael P. Kirn, and Rolla Police Department Assistant Chief William Loughridge began developing a shared vision of a local training center. Their initiative became a reality in January 2023 when the center was officially licensed, and by the following August, the inaugural cohort embarked on their yearlong journey toward becoming licensed peace officers.
“The college would not have been able to solely develop and sustain a law enforcement training program and this essential continuing education pathway for our region without the comprehensive and collaborative support of the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and the Rolla Police Department,” Ayres said. “This exemplary community partnership fully maximizes ECC’s mission of serving our communities through education.”
The departments not only supported the academy’s development but also contributed significant resources, including facilities, equipment, and ongoing recruitment programs. They provided use of specialized training tools such as the VirTra law enforcement simulator and vehicles for driver training, ensuring students receive high-quality, hands-on instruction.
Their commitment to workforce development has made the training center an indispensable resource for the region, strengthening the pipeline of licensed peace officers while reducing costs and travel burdens for local agencies.
For more information about the program, visit our Law Enforcement program page, or contact LETC@eastcentral.edu or 573-202-6960.
Dr. Robyn Walter’s leadership and dedication to academic excellence have been instrumental in fostering partnerships, driving innovation, and improving student success at East Central College.
Walter, Vice President of Academic Affairs, was recognized for her contributions to advancing the College’s mission with the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Administrative/Professional Award during the MCCA 60th Convention and Trade Show in Branson on Nov. 14.
Each year, the MCCA Annual Recognition and Excellence Awards program acknowledges individuals and institutions that have set the standard of excellence during the year.
Walter was honored for her leadership in transformative initiatives at ECC, including the development of a consortium-based Respiratory Therapy program in collaboration with four other Missouri community colleges. Walter and her team successfully achieved program accreditation and secured a $5.5 million federal training grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.
“As ECC and others identified respiratory care as a critical need, she refused to take no for an answer when it came to developing a consortium-based solution,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. “Her singular efforts led to the decision by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care to change its stance and consider approval of a consortium-based program.”
In 2023, ECC was awarded a $2.1 million Title III Strengthening Institutions Grant from the U.S. Department of Education to improve retention, persistence, and completion rates, particularly among underrepresented student populations.
“Dr. Walter led this grant initiative and, despite the highly competitive nature of this program, was able to deliver with approval on our first submission,” Bauer said. “Throughout that process, I witnessed again her ability to lead others, delegate appropriately, empower those involved, and maintain focus on the overarching goal.”
In addition to her institutional impact, Walter serves as chair of the MCCA Council of Chief Academic Officers and collaborates with statewide groups addressing issues such as transfer and articulation, and adult learners.
Walter was selected for a two-year Chief Academic Officers cohort sponsored by the Gardner Institute, bringing a national perspective to her work in Missouri.
“She became a leader in this cohort and has brought this national perspective back to Missouri,” Bauer added.
Walter’s contributions also include serving as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission, a board member for the Missouri College Access Network (MOCAN), and a mentor to health careers faculty and staff. With over 20 years of experience in the community college sector, her influence is felt both locally and nationally.
“She is active in the community both professionally and personally. With over 20 years of experience in the community college sector, she is well qualified and richly deserving of this recognition,” Bauer further commented.
Four standout students from East Central College have been recognized for their exceptional academic achievements by being named to the 2024 All-Missouri Academic Team.
The honorees are Hayden Loeb of Owensville, Donna Neulinger of Rolla, Chloe Nissen of Union, and Jagger Wood of Washington. These students were recognized by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) and the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) National Honor Society during a special ceremony sponsored by MCCA in April.
In recognition of their accomplishments, each student received a medallion, a certificate, and a cash scholarship sponsored by the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA). The PTK, in partnership with corporate sponsors, organizes the Academic All-USA competition for students from two-year colleges across the nation.
The selection process is rigorous. PTK evaluates applicants on a national scale and forwards the top Missouri candidates to the MCCA. From there, the 40 highest-ranking students in the state are designated as Academic All-State award winners. These include 10 students on the first team, 10 on the second team, and 20 on the third team.
East Central College nominates two to four students from each campus annually for the All-USA Team, making them automatic contenders for the All-Missouri Academic Team. The nomination process requires a comprehensive scholarship application, detailing the nominees’ campus and community activities and including a letter of recommendation that highlights a significant endeavor they accomplished during their time at ECC.
Pictured are three of the four East Central College students named to the All-Missouri Academic Team. From left, are Jagger Wood of Washington, Donna Neulinger of Rolla, and Chloe Nissen of Union. Not pictured is Hayden Loeb of Owensville. Wood and Nissen attend classes at the Union campus, while Neulinger and Loeb are based at ECC in Rolla.
A local industry with an international footprint was recognized by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) for its work with East Central College
WEG Transformers USA, based in Washington, was presented a Distinguished Business and Industry Award on Nov. 9 during the MCCA annual conference. WEG was nominated for the award by ECC because of the industry’s work with the College’s Adult Education & Literacy (AEL) program.
A Distinguished Business and Industry Award was presented by the MCCA to WEG Transformers, an international company based in Washington, Mo. WEG was nominated for the award by ECC because of the industry’s work with the College’s Adult Education & Literacy program.
WEG is an international company that operates at three locations in Washington designing and producing electrical transformers and substations. In 2021, the company hired 30 immigrants from St. Louis to work at their facilities and wanted them to enhance their English language skills to better understand the culture and their workforce.
That’s where the relationship between WEG and ECC’s AEL began.
The employees, immigrants from across the world, that includes India, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Afghanistan, were placed with WEG through the International Institute of St. Louis (IISTL) — an immigrant and job placement service/information hub which connects refugees and immigrants to a variety of opportunities in the St. Louis region.
Beginning February 2022, the AEL program worked with the new WEG employees to further develop their English language skills that included specific lingo and language used in the Manufacturing industry.
The English Language Acquisition classes were taught by ECC at the WEG facilities before or after the employees’ regular work schedule. As a result, 12 of 30 employees successfully completed the. Several of them were honored by the College during the Student Achievement ceremony held April 2023.
The unique public/private partnership has resulted in more qualified employees for WEG Transformers and maintains their competitive edge and enhances the lives of a group of workers as they adapt and adjust to their new homeland.
Melanie Dixon, ECC Early College and Admissions Specialist, is recognized by her colleagues for her supportive nature and positive spirit.
That’s just one reason why she received the Classified Staff Achievement Award from the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) during its annual conference. Dixon, who has dedicated 17 years to ECC, goes above and beyond her day-to-day responsibilities by serving as an advisor for the ECC Union chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.
Dixon is one of two employees selected among her peers from the 12 community colleges in Missouri to receive the award. It was presented during a banquet held on Nov. 9 in Kansas City.
Each year, the MCCA Annual Recognition and Excellence Awards program acknowledges individuals and institutions that have set the standard of excellence during the year.
In addition to Dixon, ECC Trustees Ina “Cookie Hays” received the Distinguished Alumni Award, and WEG Transformers, nominated by ECC, received an MCCA Distinguished Business and Industry Award. Other ECC employees were finalists for 2003 MCCA awards:
Tracy Mowery, Associate Professor of Biology — Excellence in Teaching Award nominee.
Nancy Mitchell, Dean of Health Sciences — Administrative Professional Leadership Award.
Lisa Hanneken, Accounting and Business Instructor and Programs Director, and Tanner French, Accounting and Business Instructor — Innovation Award.
Dixon’s Award
As one of three advisors on the award-winning PTK team, Dixon works diligently to ensure the chapter’s success and longevity.
“Melanie has been a highly active PTK advisor for many years, and students speak highly of her, regarding her as kind, caring, and supportive,” her nomination reads. “She is a reliable and knowledgeable colleague who always offers help when she can.”
The continued time and energy Melanie dedicates both in her role in the Department of Early College & Admissions and as a PTK advisor exemplify the criteria of the Classified Staff Achievement Award.
“Melanie’s service to the College has a positive impact on the student experience at East Central College, whether they are new or prospective students or enrolled students joining Phi Theta Kappa. It is an honor to recognize Melanie for her work and dedication.”
East Central College Trustee and graduate Ina “Cookie” Hays received a Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award.
Each year, the MCCA Annual Recognition and Excellence Awards program recognizes individuals and institutions that have set the standard of excellence during the year. The award recipients were announced during a banquet Thursday, Nov. 9, in Kansas City.
Hays’ recognition comes on the heels of Hays receiving the ECC Outstanding Alumni Award presented in May by the ECC Foundation — the highest award presented to a graduate. It recognizes a graduate who has brought honor to the college through professional achievement, leadership, and community impact.
Hays was both a student and student employee when she graduated from ECC in 1973. Since then, she has dedicated more than 50 years of service to the College as an employee and trustee. In fact, she is the only person to be a graduate, a support staff member, a professional staff member, an administrator, and a trustee at ECC.
Beginning at ECC
As part of an early graduating classes at ECC, Hays was initially taking classes in Union Memorial Auditorium before and then moving to the current campus to take courses.
After graduation, she began her professional career that would extend 41 years at ECC. Hays began as an administrative assistant, a role she served for 15 years. She then moved into the position of assistant to a vice president for a year.
In 1989, she became an academic advisor, a position she held for 9 years. Hays served as the interim director of counseling services for a year until she was appointed to that position, serving for another year.
Hays’ next step at ECC was as the dean of student development, a role that she served in for eight years. Then, in 2009 she was named the vice president of student development. She retired from the College in 2014 while serving as the vice president of student development.
President’s Remarks
“Cookie’s involvement has included being a student, student-worker, classified staff, professional staff, administrator, and trustee,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, college president. “Along the way she has impacted thousands of lives and fulfilled the dream the college’s founders had in mind when East Central College was established in 1968. Our college and community are better because of Cookie’s service and leadership.”
Hays collaborated with every department on the Union campus and at the College extension sites. Her position at ECC took her to every high school district throughout the service region.
“I loved working with the faculty and staff, but my greatest reward came from working one-on-one with the students, where I grew to understand what they need and expect from their community college,” she said.
While employed at ECC, Hays earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Maryville University, and then received a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
In 2016, two years after retiring from the College, Hays was elected to her first six-year term on the ECC Board of Trustees. She was re-elected in 2022 and serves as Board Secretary.
Four East Central College students were named to the All-Missouri Academic Team, and one also was recognized nationally.
Kelsea Smith has been named a 2023 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and received a $1,500 scholarship.
Smith and Elise Jeffers, ECC Rolla; and Brooklyn Hyatt and Annika Brunner, Union campus, were named to the 2023 All-Missouri Academic Team. The students were recognized by Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) and the Phi Theta Kappa national honor society at a ceremony sponsored by MCCA on April 13.
Each student received a medallion and certificate to honor their achievement along with a $250 cash scholarship underwritten by MOHELA (MO Higher Education Loan Authority). The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, along with participating corporate partners, sponsors the Academic All-USA competition for students attending two-year colleges.
PTK ranks applicants nationally, then forwards results for students to the MCCA. The top 53 students statewide were named Academic All-State award winners.
ECC annually nominates two to four students per site for the All-USA Team, which automatically qualifies the nominees for the All-Missouri Academic Team. Nominees complete a lengthy scholarship application, including information about their campus and community activities, and details and a letter of recommendation regarding a “significant endeavor” done during their time as a community college student.
Coca-Cola Academic Team
Smith’s Coca-Cola Academic Team honor is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, which recognizes 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion.
Smith and other Coca-Cola Academic Team members were recognized internationally during PTK’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst. Which was held in Columbus, Ohio, April 20-22.
“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of PTK. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.”
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation celebrates and empowers visionary leaders who are refreshing the world by supporting more than 1,400 exceptional college students each year.
PTK is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders.
East Central College Trustee and alumni Dr. Eric Park and Adult Education Program Director Alice Whalen were selected among their peers to receive 2022 Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) awards.
Park was presented with the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award for his service to ECC, his community and growing his professional career with roots planted at ECC where he graduated with an associate degree in May 1982.
Whalen was selected as the 2022 Administrative Professional Leadership Award recipient for her work in expanding adult education services throughout the ECC service region and for her dedication to adult education at the state level.
In addition, ECC student Carly Hamlyn spoke during the closing event of the convention. Carly is an Early College Academy student attending Washington High School and ECC. She also is president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at ECC.
The MCCA Annual Convention was held in St. Louis Nov. 29 through Dec. 1. In addition to Park and Whalen, three others from ECC were nominated for awards.
Leigh Kolb, associate professor of English and Journalism — Excellence in Teaching Award nominee.
Amy DeMiere, Division of Arts and Sciences program assistant — Classified Staff Achievement Award nominee.
Jill Harrison, nursing adjunct — Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award nominee.
The MCCA is a statewide organization representing the 12 Missouri community colleges and their faculty, staff, students and administrators.
MCCA provides services to its member institutions in four main areas – advocacy, education, information and networking
Dr. Eric Park
East Central College Trustee and alumni Dr. Eric Park, right, received the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award at the Missouri Community College Association annual convention. He is pictured ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.
For more than 35 years, Dr. Park has been a successful investment adviser. He is a co-founder of LPL Financial investment firm in Washington. He has received several national awards for his dedication to quality investment management.
Dr. Park was elected to the ECC board of trustees in 2016 and reelected in 2022. Dr. Park attended ECC after serving in the U.S. Army. He earned an associate degree in 1982 followed by a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
He also has served as an adjunct instructor at ECC and has long been active with the ECC Foundation board.
ECC president Dr. Jon Bauer, said Dr. Park epitomizes the best of community college alumni.
“Eric used his academic foundation at East Central to earn advanced degrees in his field, become a leading professional in the investment world, yet has always made it a priority to give back to his community, his college, and those around him,” Bauer said.
Alice Whalen
East Central College Adult Education Program Director Alice Whalen, center, received the 2022 Missouri Community College Association Administrative Professional Leadership Award. She is pictured with ECC Vice President of Eternal Relations Joel Doepker, left, and ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.
Whalen has been the AEL director at ECC since September 2014. Since then, she has expanded the program from offering programming in six communities to 13 communities throughout the ECC service region.
The AEL program offers day and evening HiSET classes and English Language Acquisition courses at an average of 150-200 hundred students per year.
In 2015, under her leadership and direction, Alice worked with the South Central Missouri Literacy Council in Phelps Country to add four counties, Crawford, Gasconade, Franklin, and Montgomery, to create the East Central Literacy Council. The council also has its own county committees, which include an advisory council and fundraises for the ECC AEL program to cover additional AEL student expenses.
Overall, Alice knows the importance of community involvement and understands how multiple barriers effect a student’s ability to start and complete their education. Alice’s positive energy at the college and throughout the ECC service region is contagious as she strives to make sure anyone who wants to enhance their lives through education can do so.
